We didn't turn on the television or radio, because it seemed wrong to share our time with anyone.
We walked on the beach again.
We made long, slow, lazy love on the third- story deck.
We played cards and he won every hand.
We recharged and reminded ourselves that what we'd found with each other was worth fighting for.
It was the most perfect day of my life.We returned to my apartment when we got back into the city.
Gideon unlocked the door for us with the key I'd given him, and we entered the darkened space as quietly as possible so that we didn't wake Cary.
Gideon gave me one of his soul-melting kisses good night and headed to the guest room, and I crawled into my lonely bed without him.
Missing him.
I wondered how long we'd be sleeping apart from each other.
Months? Years? Hating to think of it, I closed my eyes and started to drift.
The light flicked on.
"Eva.
Get up."
Gideon strode into the room and straight to my dresser, digging through my clothes.
I blinked at him, noting that he'd changed into slacks and a button-down dress shirt.
"What's wrong?" "It's Cary," he said grimly.
"He's in the hospital."
* * *
A cab was waiting for us at the curb when we left my apartment building.
Gideon ushered me in, then slid in beside me.
The cab seemed to pull away very slowly.
Everything seemed to be moving slowly.
I clutched at Gideon's sleeve.
"What happened?" "He was attacked Friday night."
"How do you know?" "Your mother and Stanton both left messages on my cell phone."
"My mother .
?" I looked at him blankly.
"Why didn't she .
?" No, she couldn't call me.